McCOMB (AP) — The city of McComb will ask lawmakers in January to renew its 4-year-old hotel/motel tax.

The 3 percent tax, used to promote tourism, expires in 2009.

City administrator Jim Storer says the board of selectmen voted to request renewal for another four years.

Dozens of Mississippi communities levy taxes of up to 3 percent, tied to local economic development and promotional projects. Each affects only one community and is added to the 7 percent statewide sales tax collected by merchants.

Some communities levy dollar amounts — such as $2 per day on hotel room rentals — instead of a percentage.

Natchez implemented a $2 per room hotel tax.

The money from the tax is earmarked for marketing tourism of the community. It is governed by an advisory committee that was outlined by lawmakers.

When the first such laws were enacted more than a decade ago, they promoted tourism.

Now, they speak to infrastructure projects, recreation and convention centers.